Analogue Productions US Vinilo y CD

Review: Famously, John Coltrane recorded the music on Coltrane Plays The Blues during the sessions for the more celebrated and ground-breaking My Favourite Things, with his former label Atlantic - who had paid for the sessions - initially releasing the album against his wishes. In many ways it's great they did, because it remains one of jazz's truly great sets - albeit one that at the time was overshadowed by the saxophonist's other work of the 1960s. It's breezy, emotive, occasionally smoky and - as you'd expect from the title - effortlessly bluesy, with Coltrane improvising superb sax solos atop a bed of bass (played by Steve Davis), drums (Elvin Jones) and piano (McCoy Tyner). This reissue is a "hybrid CD", containing both regular and 'super audio' versions. For those with access to the latter technology, the album has never sounded better.

Review: As you can guess from the title, this is a follow up to Kind of Blue, one of the most famous jazz albums of all time. The iconic 1959 recordings radiate their own vibe while showcasing Davis's transformative approach to jazz. The opener impresses with elegant trumpet lines and a meticulous rhythm section that is a fine showcase of restraint that grows from delicate nuances to fluid improvisation. As the album unfolds, Davis's intuitive synergy with his bandmates shines and intricate complexities turn into accessible melodies. The hauntingly beautiful 'Blue in Green' stands out for its depth and overall the record captures a pivotal moment in Davis's evolution.

Review: The Velvet Underground's Loaded, a pivotal rock record from 1970, returns in a meticulously remastered SACD format. The album marked the band's bid for mainstream success, with label head Ahmet Ertegun pushing Lou Reed to deliver a record "loaded with hits". The result was a shimmering rock collection, though one far removed from the group's avant-garde roots. Though Reed left the band before its release, Loaded still shines as a masterclass in rock archetypes. Tracks like 'Sweet Jane' and 'Rock & Roll' cemented their status as proto-punk pioneers, while the sunny cynicism of 'Who Loves the Sun' and the rollicking 'Head Held High' showcased the band's sardonic wit. With Doug Yule taking on a leading roleisinging four tracks and playing much of the instrumentationiand Maureen Tucker absent on maternity leave, the album stands as both a departure from and a reflection of their earlier works. A near-perfect rock album, yet its polished production and radio-friendly leanings make it an outlier in the Velvet Underground canon. The SACD reissue offers audiophiles the ideal digital experience, capturing the tension between pop ambition and artistic identity that defines this bittersweet swan song. Everyone should own a copy of this magnificent album.

Review: The Yes Album stands as a pivotal moment in the prog legends' career, marking their meteoric rise to fame. Released in 1971, this masterpiece showcases the band's exceptional musicianship and innovative sound. With Jon Anderson on vocals, Chris Squire on bass and vocals, Bill Bruford on drums, Tony Kaye on keyboards and the introduction of Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, it's a stunning display of progressive rock featuring classics like 'Yours Is No Disgrace,' 'Starship Trooper,' 'I've Seen All Good People,' and the hit single 'Your Move'. Tracks like Steve Howe's acoustic masterpiece 'Clap,' the collaborative effort 'Perpetual Change' and the fusion-inspired 'A Venture' further highlight the band's intricate compositions and dynamic performances.

Review: The SACD version of one of the most important progressive rock albums, which catapulted progressive rock from a experimental and avante garde genre into a well-respected style of rock music, while forging a path for symphonic rock pieces of longer expression to become commonplace. The enhanced clarity and depth highlight every intricate detail of the band's ambitious arrangements, making this the definitive digital edition. The album's tracks shine brighter than ever. 'Roundabout' bursts with energy, its iconic guitar intro and driving rhythm section sounding crisp and vivid. 'South Side of the Sky' reveals its layered complexity, with the interplay between piano, vocals and searing guitar more dynamic than ever. The atmospheric 'Heart of the Sunrise' benefits from the SACD's superior soundstage, emphasising its sweeping contrasts between serene melodies and thunderous intensity. Each member's contribution feels distinct yet perfectly integrated, with the enhanced fidelity highlighting the virtuosity of their performances.